Goa EDC plans more growth hubs in Goa's hinterland

The Economic development Corporation (EDC) of Goa has resolved to build three more growth hubs in the state of Goa and has therefore proposed to acquire over 5 lakh square metres of land in three different talukas of Goa which are predominantly the hinterland of the state, namely the talukas of Pernem, Ponda and Quepem, to enable these areas to commercially develop through the growth hubs.

The grand idea is supported by the success that the EDC achieved through the commercial development of around 1.7 lakh sq metres of land at Patto Plaza in Panjim city.

The move is expected to infuse commercial development in these three talukas of Goa to create growth hubs and is expected to fetch investments to the tune of Rs 2000 crore besides creating employment opportunities for Goan youth.

The projection in the draft regional plan 2021 already envisages these talukas as growth hubs and the EDC has confirmed that this acquisition will be in line with the projection in the draft regional plan to have growth hubs or regional centres and the EDC will act as a catalyst towards that growth.

The EDC managing director W V R Murthy said that they would like to create infrastructure in these three places to attract the investments and are planning to target health, education, entertainment and tourism sectors.

EDC has projected a total cost of over Rs 200 crore for the acquisition and development of land in the three talukas.